This year has been very busy for me – I am always on the go! A typical day for me is: getting in a morning run, fix a quick breakfast, head to work, hurry home for dinner then get to the gym for a class or to shadow (this is for a future post, but yes, I have an apprenticeship at my gym!). Throw in a weekly pet sitting gig, or evening work event and it can get crazy. Pair that with my decision to not race as much this year, but the races I did sign up for were like a mini vacation – like my recent races at San Jose and Monterey. So having a great traveling bag is a must!

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffle is PERFECT for a race weekend getaway. I tend to over-pack and I was still able to pack everything needed for race weekend – race day clothing as well as my non-runner essentials. Check out the deets that make this duffle perfect for travel:

ULTRA-LIGHT (the 60L weighs only 1 lb 12 oz!!)

Made with an extra-durable, water-repellent coated Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric: a fusion of technology that merges max abrasion-resistance with ultra-light carry

Bartack reinforcement on all high stress points for maximum schlepping

Carry by its removable backpack straps, padded top haul handles, or side grab handle

U-shaped lid for easy access to main compartment

Sizeable easy-access zippered end pockets for gear organization

Six heavy-duty lash points for attaching this bag to a roof rack

#10 lockable zippers with storm flap shield zipper from rain

Bottom is foam padded to help protect contents against impact

One of the best features about this duffle bag is storing it! The bag folds into itself, in a nice little package – smaller than a shoe box!

The Cargo Hauler Duffle Bag has been great for my race weekend mini vacations, and I’ve also loved taking it to the gym; it is much easier than using a tote bag, which is what I was using. It fits every thing I need for the gym, with room to spare. Each side of the duffle has a zippered compartment (gear pockets), along with the main compartment. I like the side compartments because they are roomy, and are a perfect way of separating my sweaty clothes from my clean clothes.

What I am really looking forward to is some Spring and Summer camping trips where I can really test out the durability of this bag – this thing is made for adventures! But for now, I’ll continue to use it for my race travels & trips to the gym.

Pros:

Versatile – handles, straps or backpack straps allow you to carry it in multiple ways and however is most comfortable for you. The straps are also removable.